cannabisnews.com: Government of Canada Adopts Interim Policy on MMJ





Government of Canada Adopts Interim Policy on MMJ
Posted by CN Staff on July 09, 2003 at 08:16:27 PT
Press Release
Source: Canada NewsWire 
Ottawa -- The Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Health, today announced that in response to the decision of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Hitzig et al. v. Her Majesty the Queen, the Government of Canada is adopting an interim policy on the provision of marihuana for medical purposes. This will ensure that the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations (MMAR) remain in effect, pending clarification by the Courts of the Government of Canada's roles and responsibilities with respect to the provision of marihuana for medical purposes.
Under a form of cost recovery, this interim policy will:* make marihuana seeds available to persons authorized to produce marihuana for medical purposes and who do not currently have plants at any stage of production; and, * provide a legal source and supply of dried marihuana to individuals authorized to use marihuana for medical purposes who are unable to produce it themselves or find a person who can produce on their behalf under the MMAR.The marihuana seeds and product will come from Prairie Plant Systems Inc., the company currently under contract with Health Canada to produce marihuana for clinical trials. At the same time that these steps are being taken, the Government of Canada remains committed to the original purpose of its contract with PPS to supply marihuana: the conduct of clinical trials to determine the safety and efficacy of marihuana for medical purposes, and will continue to move forward in this area. "As Minister of Health, my first obligation is to ensure the safety and efficacy of this product. Marijuana is not a proven therapeutic product. Therefore, I remain committed to the Government of Canada's medical marihuna research program, which promotes research on the medical value of marihuana while taking a compassionate approach to Canadians who suffer from serious medical conditions," said Minister McLellan. The interim policy announced today ensures that both the MMAR and prohibitions related to marihuana in Ontario will remain in effect. Although this interim policy can be amended or suspended at any time, it is anticipated that it will remain in effect until such time as the Government of Canada's roles and responsibilities with respect to a supply of marihuana for medical purposes have been clarified by the Courts and the Government of Canada has had time to review and assess such clarification.For further information: Media Inquiries: Farah Mohamed, Office of Anne McLellan, Federal Minister of Health, (613) 957-1694; Jirina Vlk, Health Canada, (613) 957-2988. Health Canada news releases are available on the Internet at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/media/index.htmlComplete Title:  Government of Canada Adopts Interim Policy on the Provision of Marihuana for Medical Purposes Newshawk: puff_tuffSource: Canada NewsWire (Canada)Published: July 09, 2003Copyright: 2003 Canada NewsWire Ltd.Contact: cnw newswire.caWebsite: http://www.newswire.ca/Related Articles & Web Site:Marijuana Medical Access Regulationshttp://www.medicalmarihuana.ca/mmar.htmlOttawa's Pot Grower Will Supply Patientshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16789.shtmlOttawa To Make It Easier To Access Medical Pothttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16787.shtmlResearch on MMJ Produces No Resultshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16785.shtml
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on July 09, 2003 at 09:33:31 PT
afterburner
They didn't meet the requirements from a few years ago so I hope that the Ontario decision will continue as it is. Does this make sense?
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Comment #1 posted by afterburner on July 09, 2003 at 09:24:11 PT:
Prohibition and Promises.
"The interim policy announced today ensures that both the MMAR and prohibitions related to marihuana in Ontario will remain in effect." I wonder what the Ontario Superior Court will make of this. Prohibition--doesn't the government just love it! The law has already been nullified by the 2000 Terry Parker case and subsequent appeals."In 2000, during a med-pot court case, the Ontario Court of Appeal gave the Canadian Government 12 months to write new marijuana laws. Instead, the government made regulations, ignoring the court ruling. On February 2 of this year Lawyer Brian McAllister successfully argued that cannabis prohibition ended when the government failed to make new laws. Although the decision was appealed, the Ontario Superior Court upheld McAllister's win on May 6, making it binding on lower courts throughout the province." --Cross-Canada police headquarters smoke-out! 
http://www.cannabisculture.com/articles/3019.htmlThe federal government has still not passed the new law sought by the courts. Courts operate on precedent. You cannot change the law by just issuing a press release about an "interim" proposal."In many tribal societies there existed a 'council of healers' who gave advice and guidance both directly to the tribe and to the tribal chiefs. These healers, or elders, were known for their wisdom, their spiritual understanding and their love.Now the chiefs proceed without this crucial guidance and by doing so, they often lead their people astray." --Gathering of the Healers: The Healing of the Nations http://www.rastaheart.com/rastaheart/"Redemption Song" by Bob Marley http://www.bobmarley.com/songs/songs.cgi?redemption"Won't Get Fooled Again" - The Who - Absolute Lyric http://www.absolutelyric.com/a/view/The%20Who/Won't%20Get%20Fooled%20Again/Poems, Prayers And Promises by John Denver http://www.charbono.net/songs/poemsprayersandpromises.mp3ego transcendence follows ego destruction, do it right!
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